Iron Rondomskrik Chenin Blanc

The Iron Chenin Blanc, the rarest of Mullineux’s single-terroir white wines, was vinified with careful, gentle handling to preserve its character. Both primary and secondary fermentations were spontaneous, driven by indigenous yeasts. Minimal sulphur was added only after the wine had naturally settled, and no other additions were made. The wine was handled without fining or filtration before bottling.

The vineyard is located on the rolling hills just outside Malmesbury in the Swartland and is planted to bush vine Chenin Blanc in deep, iron-rich Koffieklip soils. These soils retain moisture into December but naturally limit excessive water uptake, intensifying concentration in the berries. The site ripens earlier than surrounding vineyards and produces small berries with firm acidity and high natural extract. The 2024 growing season brought cool nights and mild, windy days, promoting slow, even ripening and preserving freshness. Grapes were hand-harvested on 5 and 6 February 2024 at yields of 4 tons per hectare (24 hl/ha).

The wine was matured for 11 months in 225-litre French oak barrels. The use of seasoned barrels allowed for gentle oxygen exchange and the development of texture while maintaining purity of fruit and terroir expression.